Johannesburg: Counterfeit goods worth R17 million seized

In a concerted effort to combat the proliferation of counterfeit goods, the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) National Counterfeit Unit executed a series of targeted takedown operations in Johannesburg. Resulting in the seizure of counterfeit goods worth over R17 million within a week.

The latest operation, conducted in the Johannesburg CBD’s Bree Street, saw SAPS members, along with officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), Gauteng Traffic’s Saturation unit, various Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention Wardens, and private security, collaborate to execute search and seizure warrants.

Furthermore, the raids, which took place on Thursday, 11 April, targeted shops and storage facilities suspected of harbouring counterfeit goods.

PICS: COUNTERFEIT GOODS IMITATING WELL-KNOWN BRANDS

During the operation, authorities confiscated a wide range of counterfeit items, including clothing, sports apparel, shoes, watches, pharmaceutical products, stationary, nail, and hair products. These counterfeit products imitated well-known brands, posing a threat to both consumers and legitimate businesses.

This successful operation follows closely on the heels of similar crackdowns in Fordsburg and the Johannesburg CBD, where law enforcement agencies seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth over R15 million collectively.

DETAILS OF THE LAST SIMILAR OPERATION

Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, SAPS spokesperson, emphasised the collaborative nature of these operations, noting the involvement of various crime-fighting partners.

“The team that executed a search and seizure warrant comprised SAPS members, officials from the Department of Home Affairs, South African Revenue Services (SARS), Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), Gauteng Traffic Saturation unit, Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention Wardens, and private security,” stated Van Wyk.

During the last operations, law enforcement officers confiscated more than 8000 items masquerading as popular brands. These included cell phone chargers, cell phone covers, counterfeit labels, and even entire cell phones.

Additionally, over R40 000 in abandoned cash was recovered from the premises. Underscoring the profitability of illicit trade in counterfeit goods.

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